Real Madrid reached the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 win over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory in a tie dominated by the figure of Vinicius Jnr on and off the pitch.

The Brazilian forward, at the centre of a racism storm after the first leg in Lisbon, once again provided the decisive moment. Having scored the only goal in Portugal, he struck late in Madrid to finally break Benfica’s resistance and send the Bernabeu into a cathartic celebration.

Before kick-off, home supporters unfurled banners backing Vinicius, while the stadium loudspeakers carried firm messages of “No to racism” and “Respect”. The atmosphere underlined how much the night had become about more than just qualification.

Benfica briefly threatened to rip up the script. Rafa Silva silenced the home crowd after 14 minutes, levelling the aggregate score with a sharp finish that gave the visitors a precious away goal and a foothold in the tie.

Real’s response was swift and emphatic. Aurelien Tchouameni stepped out of midfield and thumped a long-range drive beyond the goalkeeper, restoring Madrid’s aggregate lead and calming early nerves.

The match tightened after the break, Benfica pushing forward in search of a lifeline while Madrid probed on the counter. With ten minutes remaining, Vinicius delivered the moment everyone had been waiting for. Released in behind, he accelerated clear of the defence and finished coolly, then sprinted to the corner flag to dance in front of an adoring home end, a celebration loaded with defiance as much as joy.

The backdrop to the tie remained highly charged. UEFA had imposed a provisional suspension on Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni following Vinicius’s allegation of racial abuse in the first leg, a ban that survived Benfica’s appeal. The incident had led to a lengthy stoppage in Lisbon, with Vinicius leaving the field in tears before eventually resuming.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho, criticised for his comments suggesting Vinicius provoked hostility with his celebrations, stayed away from the usual pre-match media duties and watched the second leg from the stands after being sent off in the first game.

Real Madrid also announced disciplinary action against a home supporter identified on television performing a Nazi salute before kick-off, vowing to expel the member and condemning any gesture inciting hatred or violence.

On a night heavy with symbolism, it was Vinicius who had the final word, his goal propelling Madrid into the last 16, where they will face either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City.